Yankees' Superstar Ace Gerrit Cole Headed For MRI On Pitching Elbow

The New York Yankees are sending ace Gerrit Cole for an MRI on his pitching elbow.

The New York Yankees and their fans will need to hold their breath.

As manager Aaron Boone told reporters, AL Cy Young winning ace Gerrit Cole is headed for an MRI on his pitching elbow.

Gerrit Cole is having an MRI on his pitching elbow, Aaron Boone told reporters in Clearwater.

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 11, 2024

Cole was not recovering as well this spring in between starts, which led to the Yankees sending him to get his elbow checked out, per Dave Lennon of Newsday. Cole reportedly compared it to the feeling after throwing 100 pitches in a regular season game.

This is a concerning development for the Yankees, who are relying heavily on their ace to put up close to the Cy Young performance he endured last season. 

Without Cole, the Yankees would likely be forced to make a move to sign NL Cy Young winning ace Blake Snell, who is still available.

However, the Yankees would be forced to pay a hefty tax percentage of 110 percent, which would double the value of Snell's contract. And if Cole is forced to miss significant time, super agent Scott Boras can use that leverage to his advantage if the Yankees call back about Snell.

For now, the Yankees are going to have to hope for the best for Cole, but whenever there is an elbow in question for a pitcher, it is always a concern.

The vibes have been high at Yankee camp all spring, as they are focused on redemption in 2024 after missing the postseason last year for the first time since 2016.

Health has been the theme of spring training so far for the Bronx Bombers, but losing Cole would be a major blow that the club cannot afford. 

SNY insider Andy Martino provided an update of what he's hearing on the Cole situation and how it effects the Yankees' pursuit of Snell.

"Hearing the word “precautionary” regarding Gerrit Cole’s elbow MRI. One never knows what an MRI shows, but initial feeling is not one of extreme concern. So far, no impact on Blake Snell by the way."

Stay tuned for further developments on Cole's MRI results.